Philippine rescuers struggled in rough seas Sunday as they resumed a bleak search for nearly 170 people missing in the country's latest ferry disaster, but insisted miracle survivor stories were possible.

>> Philippine rescuers search amid fading miracle hopes

Thirty-four people have been confirmed dead after the ferry, carrying 830 passengers and crew, sank almost instantly on Friday night following a collision with a cargo vessel outside a major port in the central city of Cebu.

* Photos by Reuters